Chapter 28 #3
“I'm not sure. Maybe I just needed a new perspective,” she answered demurely.
“Hmmm, maybe you did,” he replied, tilting his head to the side and narrowing his gaze.
She didn’t miss the smirk he didn’t try to hide.
“Would you like a glass of limoncello? I found some at a market in Capri that’s some of the best I’ve had in years. I missed it while I was away,” Alex said, ducking down and reaching behind her to grab the bottle.
The action caused her nose to graze his neck.
She closed her eyes as his musky sandalwood scent made her brain freeze in the moment. She hadn’t heard him calling her name.
Not even realizing he had stepped back in front of her and was now holding the bottle in his hand calling her name, she stuttered, “Y-yes, please. I’d love some.”
When he walked across the galley to the small refrigerator under a counter, she tried to get her emotions in line. Tucking her hair behind her ears and smoothing her hands down her jeans, she turned to find him pouring the liquor into small, short-rimmed chilled glasses.
He brought her one and held his own up as she did the same.
“Cin, cin.”
She echoed, “Cin, cin,” as they clinked glasses.
When the smooth, cool drink slid down her throat, she moaned then said, “Oh, this is good.” Turning the bottle to see the label, she continued, “This is the one I just sent to Santo. It really is the best I’ve had, too. I found mine in Ravello, but I love Capri.”
Pouring her another one, Alex said, “Bring it back up to the deck. I'll join you in a minute.”
Nodding and walking up the few stairs, Aria stood at the railing again, but turned when she heard a slow romantic song start playing through the speakers.
Alex walked back up to the deck, joining her. He was close enough that their arms touched, and she could see him sneaking glances at her. She could tell he wanted to say something, but was hesitating. She wondered if he was getting up the nerve to ask her to dance again.
Truthfully, she didn’t mind the silence. It was her norm and having someone enjoy it with her was a welcome respite. He sipped from his glass, finishing his drink as she listened to the sweet melodies of Alicia Keyes.
“Such a great song,” she said happily, her voice husky from the potent drink as she sang along softly.
“Can I get you another drink?”
She took another small sip and said, “I think I should stop at this one. That brand packs a punch and I’m a bit of a lightweight.”
Alex took the glass from her and set it on the table near the bench before walking back toward her, his hand outstretched. “Dance with me?”
Aria nodded her head yes, not trusting her shaky voice, and took his outstretched hand.
His eyes lingered on her like a soft caress. “Ready to take your chances with my big feet again?”
“I told you already, Alex. I'm not afraid of you.”
He replied with a smoldering gaze.
Alex wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer than he had the last time. She wound her hands around his neck and sighed contentedly.
Swaying together, she listened as the music changed to Andrea Bocelli’s Return to Love. She could feel the cool breeze coming off the water, bringing with it that familiar scent of salt and sea.
Aria was lost in the magical moment, the twinkling lights casting a magical hue around them. It was as if they were in another dimension. Like the last time they danced, she felt like everything around them disappeared.
Alex pulled her impossibly closer, and she heard when his breathing increased, matching her own.
Can he feel my heartbeat? I think I might feel his.
Aria didn’t know where it would lead but, in that moment, there was nowhere else she wanted to be except in this man’s arms. In Alex’s arms.
He pulled back to look into her eyes for a few moments. When his gaze dropped to her lips, she felt as if her heart would beat through her chest. He looked back to her eyes, questioning, begging permission.
Am I ready for this, our first real kiss?
Alex stopped dancing, standing still, longing pouring from his gorgeous, dark eyes. His rugged hand cupped her cheek and her breath stuttered at the contact.
Alex tilted his head and started to bring his lips to hers slowly, his eyes still on hers, giving her permission to stop him.
It's really happening.
His beard tickled her lip as he leaned down further. When he was a breath away, Aria’s eyes shuttered closed. Her heart was ready for a kiss that she was sure would change so many things between them.
His lips ghosted over hers, bringing her back to the cafe and she whimpered at the feel.
But then the loud clip-clop of what sounded like high heels on metal punctured the air, interrupting the soft music as the sound got closer and grew faster. Aria thought she heard a gasp behind them but wasn’t sure.
At the sound, Alex opened his eyes, jerking his head up and away from her, the action making her open her eyes as well. She heard a frustrated grunt from him at the intrusion.
When she followed his line of vision, her eyebrows went high as she saw what had caused the disturbance.